Apparatus for treating gerd

Abstract

An implantable medical device for treating reflux disease in a human patient, the implantable medical device comprising a movement restriction device having an outer surface including a biocompatible material. The movement restriction device is adapted to be fully invaginated by the stomach fundus wall of the patient, such that movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm is restricted, thereby preventing the cardia from sliding through the patient's diaphragm opening into the patient's thorax. The implantable medical device further comprises a holding device adapted to be held by a surgical instrument, wherein the holding device is at least partly placed inside the outer wall of the implantable medical device.

1 - 288 . (canceled) 
     
     
         289 . An apparatus for treating reflux disease in a patient, the apparatus comprising:
 a first movement restriction device segment; and   a second movement restriction device segment;   wherein:   the first and second movement restriction device segments are configured to form an implantable movement restriction device having a shape and size allowing it to be at least partly invaginated by the patient's stomach fundus wall, and to be arranged to restrict movement of the cardiac notch of the patient's stomach towards the patient's diaphragm without causing an obstruction of a food passage way of the patient;   said movement restriction device is adapted to disassemble upon leaving its invaginated position in the patient's stomach fundus wall;   the first movement restriction device segment and the second movement restriction device segment being shaped such that the implantable movement restriction device, formed when the segments are assembled, has an outer surface having an elliptical point; and   each one of said first and second movement restriction device segments has a shape and size allowing it to separately pass through the food passage way, thereby reducing the risk of causing obstruction or ileus in the patient's intestine.   
     
     
         290 . The apparatus according to  claim 289 , wherein the first and second movement restriction device segments are adapted to pass through a trocar, for assembly and implantation of the movement restriction device into the abdominal cavity. 
     
     
         291 . The apparatus according to  claim 290 , wherein the first and second movement restriction device segments comprise a flexible outer shape allowing them to pass through the trocar. 
     
     
         292 . The apparatus according to  claim 289 , wherein the first and second movement restriction device segments are solid. 
     
     
         293 . The apparatus according to  claim 289 , wherein a largest circumference of the assembled movement restriction device is 50 millimeters or more. 
     
     
         294 . The apparatus according to  claim 289 , wherein the implantable movement restriction device, when assembled, comprises one or more through holes adapted for receiving a suture.